[Internal hernias strangulated in mesenteric openings in young children].

OBJECTIVE

To study the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of internal hernias strangulated in mesenteric openings in young children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 5 children younger 3 years old with intestinal infringement in jejunal mesenteric openings (=4) and mesentery of the vermiform process (=1). We analyzed anamnestic, visual, ultrasound, laboratory, X-ray, and morphological data. Three patients are described.

RESULTS

Four girls had small intestine infringements in mesenteric openings. Two children underwent surgery with favorable results. Two girls died without surgery, as the diagnosis of acute intestinal obstruction was not established. In one newborn boy, small intestine loop was infringed in mesentery of the vermiform process. Surgical intervention led to recovery.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of internal hernias strangulated in mesenteric openings presents significant difficulties in young children due to non-specific clinical data. Prognosis depends on duration of anamnesis and timely surgical intervention.